Cylinder Hydrostatic Testing
Cylinder Hydrostatic Testing
Sovereign Extinguishing offer 10-year Cylinder Hydrostatic Testing with a time-saving service exchange programme.
Cylinder hydrostatic testing is a mandatory process for maintaining the safety and compliance of compressed gas cylinders used in fire suppression systems. Sovereign Extinguishing provides professional cylinder hydrostatic testing to ensure the safety and compliance of fire suppression cylinders. Compressed gas cylinders require testing every 10 years to confirm they remain safe and fit for purpose.
After a decade of use, all fire suppression cylinders, including FM-200, 3M™ Novec1230 TM Fire Protection Fluid, Inert Gas and CO₂, must undergo hydrostatic testing. Our 10-year testing service verifies that cylinders meet safety standards, preventing potential failures and ensuring continued system reliability.
Regular hydrostatic testing is essential for maintaining compliance and extending the lifespan of your systems. Our service exchange programme minimises disruption by replacing tested cylinders with refurbished equivalents, keeping your system operational at all times.
At Sovereign Extinguishing, we provide service and maintenance for fire suppression systems across the UK, regardless of the original installer or service provider. All testing is carried out in line with British Standards and industry regulations. With accreditations from BAFE, FIA, and Cyber Essentials, you can trust us to maintain the integrity of your fire suppression system.
If you’d like to learn more about our cylinder hydrostatic testing service, call our team on 0345 189 9808 or complete the online contact form.
10-Year Cylinder Hydrostatic Testing
Compressed gas cylinders must be tested every 10 years to confirm they are safe and meet regulatory limits. Hydrostatic testing works by checking the structural integrity of high-pressure cylinders, ensuring they can withstand their maximum working pressure without failure.
Hydrostatically tested cylinders receive a current test stamp and are reconditioned before being returned for use. If a cylinder has passed the pressure test, it is recertified and compliant. Failed cylinders must be removed from service.
Sovereign Extinguishing offers testing for fire suppression cylinders. Our facilities allow us to handle the whole process efficiently.
What is Hydrostatic Testing?
Hydrostatic testing involves filling a cylinder with water and placing it in a pressurised chamber. The water pressure inside the cylinder increases, causing it to expand slightly. This process assesses whether the cylinder’s design pressure limit has been exceeded. The test helps determine the cylinder’s integrity and can identify potential weaknesses or leaks to ensure safety and compliance.
During the test, the cylinder’s expansion is precisely measured to assess compliance with regulation limits. Cylinder expansion beyond regulation limits indicates failure. Compliant cylinders are dried, fitted with a new or refurbished valve, and returned to service. This periodic inspection ensures the continued safety and functionality of pressure vessels.
What are the Standards for Cylinder Hydrostatic Testing?
Cylinder Hydrostatic Testing is mandatory and must be performed every 10 years according to the Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999. Associated standards also include BS EN 1968:2002 and the current FIA guidelines.
The general requirements for cylinder hydrostatic testing are outlined in the relevant British and international standards.
Hydrostatic Testing must be undertaken by individuals or companies accredited to EN ISO 17020.
How Does Cylinder Hydrostatic Testing Work?
Hydrostatic testing, also known as a cylinder test, involves the filling of cylinders with water and placing the filled cylinders into a water-filled pressure chamber. The direct expansion method is commonly used for this process. During the test, the cylinder is pressurised to the specified test pressure, which is marked on the cylinder, causing the water pressure inside the cylinder to increase and the cylinder to subsequently expand. A test panel is used as part of the testing setup for quality assurance. This is called Hydrostatic Testing.
Cylinder expansion of less than 5% is within the regulation limit and allows for recertification. Before the valve is fitted, a gauge is used to check the cylinder threads for integrity and compliance. If the cylinder passes the test, it is dried out, stamped with certification, and dated with test details. The cylinder is then reconditioned, and either a refurbished or new valve is fitted. The process is completed when the cylinder passes all required tests and is marked accordingly.
Sovereign Extinguishing Cylinder Exchange
The testing of cylinders can be a disruptive process, as the cylinders must be taken away, discharged, tested, recharged and redelivered onsite. This process is not only costly in money, but time, possibly leaving a Fire Suppression System out of action for two weeks or more.
Therefore, Sovereign Extinguishing offer a service exchange programme. Our customers exchange their cylinders for an equivalent refurbished one to save time and money. We can complete the process with minimum inconvenience, with downtime reduced from weeks to just a few hours.
Cylinder hydrostatic testing should be performed regularly to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.
All we require is a photograph of the cylinder valve, the label, and the height of the cylinder outlet from the floor. From there, our team handle the whole process and ensures that your Fire Suppression System maintains compliance for your safety.
The Advantages of Hydrostatic Testing
Hydrostatic cylinder testing ensures safety and compliance for fire suppression cylinders.. Regular testing prevents the risks associated with failed cylinders, which will compromise fire suppression systems.
The Sovereign Extinguishing service exchange programme allows you to replace cylinders quickly, preventing extended downtime. Testing involves thorough inspection, ensuring high-pressure cylinders meet safety requirements.
Certified fit for use, tested cylinders maintain the reliability of your fire suppression system. The whole process is efficient, ensuring regulation limits are met while minimising disruption.
